Various factors contribute to tooth loss. Trauma, tooth decay, gum disease are all reasons why many people lose teeth. Teeth loss is not only about aesthetics. It can affect one’s ability to articulate speech or even chew food. Makeovers help in restoring the non-existent teeth. Over time, dentures have proven to be a reliable solution to the problem of missing teeth. In this article, we will see how the work to replace missing teeth.
Dentures are synthetic substitutes for missing teeth in the dental structure. These accessories are used for just one tooth or more teeth depending on what is needed. Dentures can replace neighboring tissues and gum as well. Dentures are of various types and the variation is based on the functions they perform. They include the fixed removable, fixed partial, complete, implant-supported, and immediate dentures. Complete dentures like the name implies are used for the whole dentition. They restore the entire teeth. On the other hand, partial dentures restore a portion of the teeth. In cases where partial dentures are used, some real teeth remain available in the mouth. A denture that has an implant is called an implant-supported denture.
Examination of the jawbone and surrounding tissues is done in preparation for a denture procedure. Patients need tissue in the bone structure to support the fixture. If possible Studies have shown that the majority of people who use dentures are over the age of 65. This fact proves that the aging process accompanies tooth loss. When you decide you need synthetic teeth, the first step taken is to see your doctor.
A denture user should stay clear of substances or activities that could pose problems for the artificial teeth.
What Processes Are Involved In Making Dentures?
General dentists and Prosthodontists are the medical professionals concerned with the process of fixing dentures. Prosthodontics is an arm of dentistry that deals with restoring missing teeth. In preparation for the procedure, your dentist will examine your jawbone and the surrounding tissue. This is because the bone tissues need to be viable enough to support the denture. However, the bone available is not sufficient, the use of implants will suffice.
When the bone structure is guaranteed, the dentist will make the mold of the teeth which is a teeth outline that is used in making dentures. This is taken to the laboratory where technicians work on machines to create a denture custom-made for you. The operator places the teeth frame on an articulator. This machine is similar to the human jaw. This enables the technician to mold the teeth using wax. More wax is utilized until the perfect teeth shape is achieved. A holding machine enhances the molding process. This machine firmly holds artificial teeth. Excess wax is washed away by using boiling water.
A chemical compound is dispensed into the flask which contains the mold. After some time, the acrylic breaks off. The synthetic teeth are now ready to be attached to the teeth. All you need to do after this is go for your next appointment with your dentist where the denture will be fixed. They will also make the necessary modifications to the denture if it doesn’t fit well enough.
Types Of Dentures
Full dentures also known as complete dentures, replace the entire teeth. They are in two different forms, the conventional and immediate kinds. Immediate dentures can be used instantly after the teeth are removed, while the conventional ones are implanted about 8-12 weeks after the teeth are taken out. The immediate denture is not safe. It requires constant readjustment. Most of the time, it is employed pending the time the conventional dental fixture Is made.
Partial dentures could either be removable or fixed. The removable dentures are used when there are still some natural teeth in the mouth. The object has a gum-like base and metal fastener. For a fixed denture, it restores few missing teeth. It is more or less like filling up the spaces in-between the teeth. Crowns are clamped on either side of the area and the fixed dentures are cemented in place. Implant-supported dentures use implants as anchorage in teeth where the bone is rudimentary.
Caring For Your Newly Implanted Dentures
Stay away from smoking and foods that can stain the teeth. Brush daily with soft dental brushes. Do not forget to floss daily also. A removable denture should be cleaned according to the instructions of your dentist. All these precautions improve oral health and prevent future problems for the teeth